Illinois vs. Northwestern preview

CHAMPAIGN - Illinois senior running back Troy Pollard didn't exactly make a name for himself. Coach Ron Zook did that for him with the one-of-a-kind nickname: Bucket of Hair.

Pollard's long dreadlocks are more memorable than any of the runs by the undersized, underdog fifth-year senior from Jacksonville, Fla., and his hairstyle is often the center of attention.

"No one ever said you're the fastest running back on the team,'' Zook told him after Pollard was caught from behind by a linebacker on a 61-yard run against South Dakota State in September. "If he cut his hair, he might have scored.''

Cut his hair? No way, said Pollard, who last had a trim six years ago.

Known during the Zook era for big backs more than big hair, No. 24 Illinois hosts Northwestern and the Big Ten's worst rushing defense in the conference opener Saturday still looking for an every-down running back. Pollard leads the Illini with 260 yards rushing this season after a career-high 133 against Western Michigan last weekend. He's averaging 10.4 yards per carry.

But Pollard doesn't fit the profile of a bruising Big Ten back. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said senior Jason Ford, talented freshman Donovonn Young and Pollard were even going into conference play. Even if Ford is the lead back and the first-stringer on the depth chart, all three would get early carries. Freshman Josh Ferguson was slowed last week by a hamstring injury.

"If someone stands up and takes over, then fine,'' Zook said.

Not coincidentally, Zook's two winning seasons in his first six with the Illini came with NFL talent at running back. Rashard Mendenhall rushed for a school record 1,681 yards four years ago before the Steelers took him late in the first round the following April. Mikel Leshoure broke Mendenhall's record, getting 1,697 last season before going in the second round to the Lions.

Rather than ride pure talent, the Illini might need to rely on the craftiness of Petrino.

Pollard began waiting his turn after a knee injury three games into his freshman season in 2007. By then, he already knew who would be the star.

"We had Rashard,'' Pollard said. "I practiced with him, saw how big and fast he was.''

Granted a medical redshirt, Pollard stuck around for a fifth year. The longer Pollard stayed, the longer the hair grew.

"All my family members back home have dreads,'' Pollard said. "It's a Florida thing. There's no getting rid of dreads unless you cut them off.''

He's twice been tackled by his hair, once in August during Camp Rantoul and once against Missouri. Otherwise, the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder uses his vision to overcome a lack of size.

"He sees the whole happen before it's even there,'' said center Graham Pocic. "He sets up a block and knows the cut.''

Considered Plan A when the season began, the bruising Ford has Big Ten-style power but lacked a burst, rushing for 215 yards with a 3.5-yards per carry average in the first four games compared to Young's 212 yards and 7.9-yard per carry average. Young left the impression in Rantoul he could be the team's leading rusher but must keep a hold on the ball.

Early in the season, Ford searched for big plays instead of playing to his strength and brute force.

"Sometimes he's got to be the hard guy,'' Zook said. "(Former Steelers back Jerome) Bettis almost got all of his yards in the second part of the third quarter and the fourth quarter. In the second half, they're not in such a hurry to run into him.''

Asked if Ford understands the philosophy, Zook replied, "I hope so.''

Ford's inactivity against Western Michigan -- he had eight carries and little work after a fumble -- was a result of what else was working, Petrino said.

"Early in the game, we try to get them all the ball,'' Petrino said. "Whoever is hot or whatever plays are hot. Last week, it wasn't necessarily (Ford). It was the plays that were working or personnel groups. A lot of times, it's the individual running the ball the best. Sometimes it's the plays working the best and what personnel we use to run those plays.''

Illinois rushed for 519 yards in the 21-point win over Northwestern in Wrigley Field last season, thanks mostly to 330 yards from Leshoure.

Notable: The Illini have a five-game winning streak, dating back to last season. Illinois hasn't won six straight since the Big Ten title season in 2001. … Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said he felt better this week after suffering a bruised right shoulder on Sept. 17 vs. Arizona State. … Illini tackle Jeff Allen is expected to play after getting throw out last week. … On homecoming, Illinois plays Northwestern for the Land of Lincoln Trophy. … Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is expected to play after an Achilles injury in November. The Wildcats were 2-4 when Persa missed the season's first three games and the last three games a year ago.

Quotable: "We've been fortunate to have more than one back. That gives you the opportunity to keep them fresh.'' -- Illini coach Ron Zook.

Market Place

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA ~ 33 New York Ave., Framingham, MA 01701 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service